





J 



THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 



CHRIST IN YOU 

A BOOK OF DEVOTION 

SPIRITUAL RECONSTRUCTION 

By the Author of * 'Christ in You" 

THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

A Record of Experience 

By MARY BRUCE WALLACE 

With Foreword by J. Bruce Wallace, M.A. 



THE THINNING 
OF THE VEIL 

A RECORD OF EXPERIENCE 



BY 

MARY BRUCE WALLACE 



WITH FOREWORD BY 
J. BRUCE WALLACE, M.A. 




NEW YORK 

DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 

1919 



V 



V 



Copyright, 1919 
By DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY, Inc. 



MAY -6 1919 

)CLA515441 



'Vv^ 



FOREWORD 

Empirical evidence that human personality 
survives the physical body through which it 
has manifested itself, and that communication 
is possible between persons discarnate and 
those still in the flesh, has been gathered, 
sif tejhmf some degree, and made accessible to 
the public, by Spiritualists, the Society for 
Psychical Research, and other investigators. 
In recent years such evidence has presented 
itself from many sides, in rapidly growing 
volume; and it now amounts, in the judgment 
of some eminent scientists, to ample proof. 
At any rate, no theory hitherto suggested short 
of the Spiritualist one, is reconcilable with all 
the relevant facts of well-authenticated experi- 
ence. It may be, however, that the subject 
does not quite lend itself to scientific demon- 
stration, and that absolute conviction can be 



vi FOREWORD 

reached only through a quickening of the in- 
dividual consciousness which will make the 
essential deathlessness of one's spirit to be 
intuitively perceived. Such a quickening was 
part of the illumination that the late R. M. 
Bucke described in his book Cosmic Conscious- 
ness, and that more " orthodox " Christians 
would probably identify with " the baptism of 
the Holy Ghost/' 

The record which this little book contains 
of intercourse with a world beyond the range 
of the usually-recognized bodily senses, is not 
intended as an addition to the psychical evi- 
dence available for inquirers on those ele- 
mental questions. A critic that is uncon- 
vinced with regard to them will probably re- 
main sceptical after reading this book. He 
will readily suppose that what my wife thinks 
she hears and sees through newly-unfolded in- 
terior faculties only wells up from some deep 
reservoir of memory and spring of imagina- 
tion ; and that, when it seems to her an objec- 
tive perception, her subconscious mind is just 



FOREWORD vii 

playing her a trick. But to those who are in 
the best position to form an opinion concern- 
ing her experiences, no such hypothesis ap- 
pears adequate. After observing, day by day 
for now more than two years, the signs of the 
quiet unforced blossoming of those psychic fac- 
ulties in her, after receiving through her sev- 
eral messages that subsequently have been ver- 
ified in my own experience, I cannot doubt 
that she is being used by a group of discar- 
nate beings who, under the Lord of all, are 
working for the thinning of the veil between 
the life in the physical body and the life be- 
yond. 

Nor have I been the only convinced witness 
of, and gainer by, my wife's psychic develop- 
ment. It was during a visit that she paid to 
her father, mother, and sister, in August 1916, 
that her psychic sensitiveness first revealed 
itself. Since then, whenever they have visited 
us, or she them, they have joined with her in 
her daily meeting with heavenly visitants. 
Each of her two brothers has also been present 



viii FOREWORD 

on two or three occasions. In rare cases — 
just three times — with the consent of her 
Guides beyond the veil, friends outside the 
family circle have likewise been admitted. 
And all these relatives and friends have 
through her got communications that have 
been to them distinctly helpful and quite rele- 
vant to their respective difficulties and needs. 
The cumulative convincing effect of such ex- 
periences could, however, scarcely be conveyed 
to strangers. 

Some of our dearest relatives " deceased " 
have — so we believe — visited us and spoken 
to us, responding thus to a call mediated 
through the spirit-friend who was the first to 
make himself audible to my wife. It is of 
course a great and solemn delight to come once 
more into conscious touch with them, and 
learn how they have fared and what they have 
been doing since their transition. But of this 
kind of satisfaction we are not permitted to 
seek a very frequent experience. Not all dis- 
carnate human beings have as their mission to 



FOREWORD ix 

continue co-operating with those they have left 
behind on the material plane. Most of them 
have elsewhere lessons to learn and good work 
to do, from which it would not be well to divert 
them. Besides, those best qualified to instruct 
us here and lead us on the upward way, are 
less likely to be found among those who be- 
longed when on earth to our own or our 
parents' generation and were in closest associ- 
ation with us, than among those who, through 
an ampler experience both on this and the 
other side of death, are further evolved. The 
gain to earth-dwellers would be small — per^ 
haps, instead of gain, there might be added 
confusion and waste of time — if an extension 
of psychic development among them resulted 
merely in their maintaining or resuming com* 
munication with deceased relatives and friends 
little, if at all, wiser than themselves. But 
there would be great gain if closer intercourse 
could be opened up with the Masters of wisdom 
and love, the " spirits of just men made per- 
fect." 



x FOREWORD 

In reading such a book as this, one should of 
course take into account that there are limita- 
tions on the part of the " sensitive " through 
whom it has come. What passes through the 
sensitive's mind (subconscious and conscious), 
from however pure and lofty a source, may be 
in some degree shaped and coloured by the 
thought-moulds and emotional channels that 
are the only ones available there. Heavenly 
Teachers may have much to tell and show 
which as yet they cannot pass distinctly and 
completely through an organism such as ours. 
But these communications through my wife — 
whatever their imperfections may be — have 
made the spiritual world more real to the few 
who have heard them ; and it is hoped that this 
selection from them may be of use likewise to a 
wider circle. 

Communion even with saints and angels, if 
this be possible for us, is no substitute for com- 
munion with the Universal Power, infinitely 
more than personal, in Whom we all, whether 
in the body or out of it, live and move and 



FOREWORD xi 

have our being. The influence exerted by, say, 
a St. Thomas a Kempis, a Brother Lawrence, 
a St. Catharine of Siena, a Samuel Rutherford 
or a Frances Ridley Havergal, while on earth, 
would not tend to distract any companion's at- 
tention from the Highest, but would rather 
lead to a more earnest " practice of the pres- 
ence of God." Any influence, therefore, 
which such as they, or servants of God still 
further advanced in the spiritual life, might 
exert from the other side of death, w r ould cer- 
tainly be in the same holy direction, while 
more powerful and penetrating. Precious is 
intercourse w r ith those on earth who are 
morally and spiritually ahead of us, still more 
so is fellowship with those " ministering 
spirits " who, from higher planes, are seeking 
to help us into the Will of God, as instruments 
of righteousness and love unto Him. Such 
fellowship is what is to be hoped for from " the 
thinning of the veil." 

J. Bruce Wallace. 
Limavady, Ireland, 
October, 1918. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Foreword v 

Introduction xiii 



PART I 

SOME OF THE COMMUNICATIONS 
FROM OUR FRIEND 

Work on our Behalf 3 

On the Other Side op the Veil .... 7 

Our Lord 15 

Practical Counsels 17 

VISIONS 23 

PART II 

WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 

The Perfect Purpose 39 

Enter Each Day with Careful Preparation 45 

The World-Cataclysm 54 

Co-operation with Spiritual Helpers . , 64 

The Sanctuary V/ithin 84 

The Coming Day 88 

xiii 



INTRODUCTION 

Very wonderful does it seem when for the 
first time one hears clearly the well-remem- 
bered voice of a friend who has passed into the 
Unseen World. This entirely unexpected 
experience came to me in August, 1916, 
and since then the people and the con- 
ditions of the other life have become more 
and more perceptible to me without ma- 
terial apparatus of any kind. A friend, who 
had left the earth about five years before, 
at first gave me various convincing proofs of 
identity, and then went on to tell much that 
was interesting and illuminative about the 
next planes of existence. 

A few days later, a Heavenly Teacher also 
came to speak to me, through my unseen 
friend, and T could hear his voice even more 
clearly. Afterwards he visited us every Sun- 

XV 



xvi INTRODUCTION 

day evening, and as he spoke, word by word, 
sentence by sentence, in perfect sequence of 
thought, I said it aloud, and my husband took 
it down in shorthand. Some of these ad- 
dresses are to be found in the second part of 
this little book. 

I felt from the very first perfectly normal, 
not losing consciousness in any way, but I 
could not guess what the next word would be 
until I had heard it. " We just give you one 
word at a time, and then wait to see if you have 
grasped it," said my friend. 

The voice seemed to speak not to my outer 
ear but to my soul-ear, and I heard every into- 
nation of it, suiting the nature of the 
thought, tender, grave, encouraging, hopeful, 
joyous : every human emotion that is true and 
beautiful seemed expressed in tones more mu- 
sical than any outward voice can reach. The 
Teacher told me that before long I should also 
see him, without any effort on my part to de- 
velop clairvoyance. This promise was ful- 
filled a few months later. I was walking alone 



INTRODUCTION xvii 

by the sea, when, in one sudden flash, I saw 
a tall figure beside me, clad in shining raiment 
that looked like moonlight, and with a face so 
wonderfully calm and beautiful that I could 
not forget it. I saw silver sandals upon the 
feet, and then the vision faded, but I again 
heard the now well-known voice. 

After this, I often saw him, usually when 
not expecting to do so. Sometimes he would 
pace beside me for a few moments on some 
quiet road, speaking words of advice or cau- 
tion, and answering my questions. I also saw 
him when he came to give us the Sunday 
talks. 

It is not easy to describe the starry beauty 
of these radiant ones. The body looks like a 
rosy alabaster lamp through which the glory 
of the spirit shines forth, illumining even the 
raiment, and creating a surrounding atmos- 
phere — aura — more or less dazzling accord- 
ing (I imagine) to the degree of spiritual de- 
velopment of the indwelling soul. Thus I see 
the aura of the Teacher like white flame, very 



xviii INTRODUCTION 

dazzling, whereas that of our friend is softer, 
and looks more like candle-light. 

I am conscious of the individual harmony 
and power of each of the spirits to an ex- 
traordinary degree, impressing me even more 
vividly than either sound or sight of them. 
Thus when the Teacher approaches, I feel deep 
calm, peace, tenderness, all dominated by a 
sense of power. The soul -atmosphere of our 
friend, on the other hand, brings gentleness, 
sympathy; and I feel also a soft breeze waft- 
ing the fragrance of flowers. These brief de- 
scriptions faintly suggest my impressions, 
which differ with each personality that comes. 

As the months passed, I saw several other 
friends, and sometimes angels for a few won- 
derful seconds. The first of these experiences 
impressed me deeply, for the angel did not ap- 
proach me on a level, as the friends or Teacher, 
but seemed to descend from a height, and I saw 
opalescent flame beneath the feet. The whole 
being looked more ethereal than that of even 



INTRODUCTION xix 

the Teacher, and the halo around the head 
framed the most exquisite of faces. 

Once an angel brought me a sheaf of lovely 
flowers, different from earth ones. She said, 
" Treasure thy gift of vision, child. It is rare 
amongst mortals." 

On one occasion the Teacher said to me : 
" Try to understand the vital importance of 
keeping a calm mind free from agitation or 
worry. Only the unruffled pool can perfectly 
reflect the heavens above it. You must quiet 
your thoughts and feelings to become receptive 
to our presence and influence. We trust that 
as the days go by you will endeavour to prac- 
tise this receptivity more often. We are eager 
to respond to every such effort on your part, for 
only thus can we efficiently widen and deepen 
the channel of communication and make it of 
value. Not trifling is this work, but one which 
leads to issues of more vital importance than 
you can at present appreciate. You are called 



xx INTRODUCTION 

upon to do your share in breaking down the 
barrier between our world and yours — a bar- 
rier which is bound to go before the Race can 
progress further. Realization of spiritual 
realities and of the spiritual world within and 
ensouling the outer one is bound to be achieved 
by more than a few r of the Race before it can 
pass successfully onw r ard. How can Heaven 
be manifested upon earth until Heaven is per- 
ceived, and felt to be desirable and beautiful? 
Help to open the eyes of men that they may 
see, help to open their ears that they may hear, 
and their hearts that they may understand. A 
blessed work it is that we call you to do. Be 
thankful that you are called, and take our 
hands, that you may be prepared for it, rince 
we know best how to prepare you/' 

On another occasion I was told that al- 
though the first outward sign of psychic un- 
foldment had been sudden, the preparation for 
it had long been going forward, during my 
sleep, quite unconsciously to the outer self. 
" We have been slowly preparing you for many 



INTRODUCTION xxt 

years, and most carefully guarding you from 
all unhelpful influences." 

I will now record a few of my friend's mes- 
sages about the other life, and also some of 
my own visions of it. 



PAKT I 

SOME OF THE COMMUNICATIONS 
FROM OUR FRIEND 



THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

PART I 

SOME OF THE COMMUNICATIONS 
FROM OUR FRIEND 



I 



WORK ON OUR BEHALF 

""] ' HAVE long been trying to develop the 
faculty of communication, but I had not 
much facility for it, and so have only 
acquired it with immense difficulty. I feel I 
can help you for a while, and my Teacher con- 
firms this. For the present, I am still to work 
for the earth, and you must help me to ac- 
complish this more perfectly if you can. 

"How wonderful that I and many others 
are trying to conquer Death! The breaking 
down of the barrier is to be the next great work 
for the world of men, and we can accomplish 
it only by their prayerful and active co-opera- 
tion. We are trying to get the earth-folk to 

3 



4 THE THINNING OP THE VEIL 

realize that it is possible to lift the veil now, 
or to see through it; but the whole world is 
so immersed in outside thoughts that it must 
learn to deepen its consciousness before we 
can give it all the light possible. 

" Do try to attain a calm attitude of mind, 
and to feel the deeper things more constantly. 
Keep rising out of the earth-mists lightly like 
a bird, without strain, into your native at- 
mosphere. The veil is thinning fast now, and 
will thin still faster for the souls who are con- 
scious of what we are seeking to do. Even a 
day or two later, you may receive light that 
you could not get today, but the war-atmos- 
phere of the earth at the present time is very 
disturbing, producing a mist so dense and 
stifling that we can scarcely bear to descend 
into it. The descent means suffering for us. 
It is most important that you should keep 
your own mental and emotional atmosphere 
clear and calm, free from all worry or agita- 
tion." 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 5 

"All the more evolved spirits undertake 
their most serious work during the time anal- 
ogous to your night. It is then that a great 
many streams of influence are sent forth by 
them beneficially upon the human beings still 
on the earth. ... In the night we are able to 
gather in consciously much power from Di- 
vine Sources and to pass it on immediately to 
the souls who need it. . . . This night-work 
is very powerful for the uplift of mankind. 
. . . Man has to realize that all power comes 
from within and is never generated from with- 
out. Great reforms will be accomplished far 
more speedily when these Inner Forces are 
brought into activity. 

" When with clairvoyant vision during the 
sleep of the body you actually have seen the 
stream of energy going forth from thought and 
feeling, you will be immeasurably helped by 
this perception to use that power. What you 
consciously learn during sleep you can prac- 
tise during your normal working conscious- 
ness. 



6 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

" Whenever any one is really endeavouring 
to help another for good, there are guides and 
helpers ready to be of service. They gather 
round all healers of mind and body. They are 
the ones who will bring in the new day for 
which we are watching with such eagerness 
— painful eagerness, I might say. 

" We are anxious to train the earth souls to 
work without drawing upon us. If you can 
transform your own earth without us we 
should be only too thankful. We should then 
turn all our attention towards transforming 
the astral. . . . 

" You have no idea how we feel uplifted and 
blessed by the realization of our unity with all 
the constructive power of the Divine Creator. 
We feel that we are one great spiritual body ; 
and we have no individual desire. This real- 
ization is something far too wonderful to be 
expressed in earth language. . . . Having had 
the faintest glimpse of the destiny of mankind, 
one feels devoted to the mission of bringing it 
about. One longs to spread this deep desire, 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 7 

because one sees so many souls on earth still 
absorbed by petty aims, which bring them but 
shallow satisfactions. These are bound to end 
in disheartenment and failure." 

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEIL 

" There are seven planes of consciousness. 
I am now on the third, where some of us dwell 
in families, some alone, but all in love and har- 
mony. As one attains a deeper consciousness 
of eternal realities, one finds oneself on a 
higher plane. One can thus visit these higher 
planes but cannot remain in them until it is 
possible to maintain the more evolved state of 
feeling. Souls who come over, weary and 
hungry for rest and beauty, are brought to 
most lovely places of repose, filled by our 
thought and prayer with a harmonious and 
inspiring atmosphere. 

" Death itself is not to be feared. The at- 
tendant pain, if any, can be lessened by 
spiritual preparation for the change. We are 



8 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

told that ultimately there will come dema- 
terialization instead of corruption of the body. 
But the Race is not yet sufficiently evolved for 
this." 

" On the plane where I now T find myself we 
have personal Guides, but beyond this I un- 
derstand we are each illumined by our own 
Higher Self. It is to help us to attain this 
that the Guides are given to us. They are dis- 
tinguished by a brighter aura, and are so 
beautiful that we instinctively rely upon their 
help and advice. It is my Guide wiio is influ- 
encing me in this present line of action. On 
the other hand, we have perfect free-will to 
do as we choose just as on earth, and greater 
freedom to pursue and carry out our own 
ideals. 

" Your world and this one interpenetrate. 
There are worlds within, and in to the Centre 
of Being. Not all here are conscious of your 
world. What I focus upon, that I can see; 
but our environment is not necessarily a coun- 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 9 

terpart of yours. We can make our own sur- 
roundings. . . . 

" Yes! through your mind I can see the soul- 
side of your trees. We have scenery which 
apparently changes in colouring similarly to 
yours, but this is brought about by the desire 
of our minds. We do not respond to earth's 
scenes except through a sensitive. As you 
have such a love of nature and such vivid feel- 
ings, I am able to see the scenes more vividly 
than through other sensitives." 

" There are lots of children here, such 
darlings, and they are very happy and friendly. 
After a certain period of education they pass 
to higher planes. They are so lovely. Those 
who have a special faculty for managing chil- 
dren, make homes for them in cases where their 
parents are still on earth. 

" There are also many beings other than man 
in these more subtle realms, as well as on other 
physical planets. We can communicate with 
them, and some of us study their habits some- 



10 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

what as a traveller studies the ways of a 
foreign race. Many of these beings are very 
beautiful. I see them flashing through the air 
like the fairies of children's stories. Their 
bodies glow with light and colour — golden, 
rosy and sapphire. They have a lot to do with 
the inner moulding of trees, flowers and 
Nature-stuffs. You think I am romancing, 
but indeed this is actually what I see. I see 
also seraphs from far higher realms, wonder- 
ful beings who pass by on waves of light, and 
are veiled as with a mist. Some of these are 
winged just like your pictured angels. 

" The highest spirits of all only come to us 
in vision or on rare occasions to cast light on 
something we need to know, or in connection 
with our work." 

" We do not need food as on the earth, but 
are easily sustained by air, light and water, 
although some of us take fruit too from the 
trees in our fields and gardens. Here we tend 
the trees by thought. Besides the gardens we 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 11 

find here seas, lakes, rivers, woods, mountains, 
every kind of glorious scenery. There are 
cities too, but fairer than your fairest dream of 
such. Ugly houses or slums we could not en- 
dure for a moment. There is no dirt or disor- 
der here, and no bodily diseases such as exist 
on earth. Any want of harmony in feeling is 
at once shown as a shadow on the otherwise 
shining white soul-body. It can only be cured 
by thought and love. 

u We refresh ourselves when weary with 
work amongst unevolved souls, by bathing in 
the exquisitely clear streams and rivers. We 
create our own garments and houses by the 
power of thought, or if we are unable yet to 
do this for ourselves, our more evolved friends 
make them for us. There is such close and 
sweet fellowship here between soul and soul — 
no jar, no discord, as on earth ; for all speedily 
gravitate to their own affinities of mind and 
temperament, living thenceforward in perfect 
peace and harmony. It is verily the ' King- 
dom of Heaven ' which we long for yon to make 



12 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

outwardly manifest on earth. Believe me, this 
possibility is no mirage. It is the all-perfect 
plan of the Creator for man, in the Future. 
Then shall the words of the old Jewish 
prophets come true : The desert shall blossom 
as the rose; and all creatures dwell in peace 
together. It is our blessed mission to help to 
inspire you to make all these dreams actual 
even in your outer w r orld." 

" There is so much I should like to tell you, 
but I am not allowed to do so. Knowledge 
may not be passed on until a certain time. I 
think that perhaps this w r ill be easier for you 
to understand if you try to realize that those 
who, like myself, have been only a few years in 
this realm, stand in somewhat the same po- 
sition as a child of a few years of age in your 
world. Older people are not always inclined 
to give their children all the knowledge these 
desire, because they are not ripe to receive it. 
I believe that as we progress further such bars 
to freedom will be withdrawn. The case is not 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 13 

quite analogous to earth conditions, since so 
many of the Higher Beings have been here far 
longer than the oldest of your saints and teach- 
ers on earth. i Masters ' are saints who can 
enter the outer world on active service. 
1 Angels ' are quite beyond evolution on your 
earth. They are beings of a different order 
altogether. They have had their evolution on 
another chain of planets, and they simply come 
into our sphere in order to help us forward. 
They do not abide with us. ' Angels ' are vis- 
itors from higher realms. ' Saints ■ are the 
perfected of humanity. They send out their 
illuminating and inspiring influence to the 
active members who are Teachers. 

" You can only teach those who are prepared 
for the teaching. The right Teacher is always 
attracted. . . . Unless helped by those in ad- 
vance, we should stick for ever. Free-will 
must be allowed, and until the masses open 
their minds we cannot teach them/' 

....... 

" I think you will be interested to hear about 



14 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

gome work I am doing here just now. I am 
busy making houses and gardens, lovely rest- 
ing-places for tired souls crossing oyer from 
the earth. They all need houses, of course, 
and do not understand at first how to construct 
their own. Here, on the third plane, we cre- 
ate by our thoughts. Thus I made my own 
house and garden, just by thinking. It re- 
quires strong thoughts to build strongly, other- 
wise the things created will be flimsy. I take 
great pains to make these homes for folk very 
sweet and attractive, beautiful in every sense 
of the word, and harmonious in atmosphere; 
for that is the most important part of the work. 
One must establish in each home a key-note of 
joy, peace and harmony, so that the people who 
dwell there may feel uplifted, soothed and 
strengthened. It is really heavenly work for 
which some of us are better suited than others, 
and so we are asked to do it. One must have 
certain qualities of soul as well as of mind to 
be well fitted for this creative work ; a restful 
and joyous state of feeling, for instance, is es- 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 15 

sential. Kejoicing is active blessedness of 
mind which carries intense help to others. 
One needs also constructive ability, sense of 
order, a vivid imagination, and so forth. I 
could tell you lots more about this and similar 
lines of activity pursued in our realms for the 
welfare of the community. " 

OUR LORD 

" The Lord Jesus, so heavenly, gracious and 
beautiful, appears to us when we deeply desire 
and need it — not otherwise. But we are 
often conscious of His influence in ways hard 
to describe. ... A wave of marvellous light 
bathes us through and through, leaving us with 
clearer vision and more dedicated to work for 
humanity. We feel that this Divine impulse, 
borne on the light towards us, comes from our 
beloved Master. 

" I do not know if other great Teachers in- 
fluence their disciples in this way. One 
speaks for oneself and for one's Christian 



16 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

friends. It is an experience never to be forgot- 
ten and quite beyond the power of words to 
describe. It is not merely light but ineffable 
glory and rapture to the soul receiving it. 
One feels at once blended with Divinity and 
Humanity. 

" It is not thought here that the Lord Jesus 
w T ill again appear in earthly form. His life on 
earth was as a hundred lives in influence and 
intensity. He works now in the more subtle 
realms. But His teaching has never been 
really practised by the many on earth, only by 
the rare souls, and we feel that the day must 
come when it will be universally lived, since 
we know of none higher. 

" Very lofty spirits are even now on their way 
to earth, or already developing physical instru- 
ments there, for the perfecting of Jesus' work, 
interpreting His message anew to mankind so 
bound by priestcraft and tradition. This will 
be the return of Christ in spirit to the world. 
I gather this from some of the most advanced 
Teachers who come to us from still higher 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 17 

realms. One such will come to a group of us, 
and we listen with rapt attention, after a pre- 
vious preparation of silent dedication." 

PRACTICAL COUNSELS 

" In any emergency of the outer life the first 
intuition of the soul as to w r hat to do is usually 
the correct one. This is an impulse received 
from either the Higher Self or an outward 
heavenly source. Eeason is often inclined to 
overrule the intuition of the soul; but it is 
intuition that guides one most unerringly in 
all the vicissitudes of life. . . . What clouds 
of useless anxiety and care we see in most peo- 
ple's lives, using up brain and nervous energy, 
weakening physical health, and casting de- 
spairing shadows on those with whom the soul 
is associated! The listening ear is what we 
are eager to cultivate in every individual who 
is willing to learn. I should like you to give 
this message when possible to the world, as we 
feel it to be a most vital one — one that will 



18 THE THINNING OP THE VEIL 

be of great value in the time of reconstruc- 
tion." 



" The only road to success is through the 
attainment of a calm and joyous mind. A 
calm and joyous mind, free from worry and 
care, is the golden key that unlocks the doors 
of infinite possibilities." 

" There will be many opportunities when 
the war is over, and but few people to make the 
most of them. Urge all you can reach, who 
understand the message, to get ready for serv- 
ice. Much can be done by way of preparation 
that will be found of inestimable value for the 
Eace when the time comes for outer work. By 
the very intensity of their anguish many souls 
will be impelled to an earnestness of purpose 
that they w r ould not otherwise have felt, and 
in this way the war will bring forth a blessing. 
From beyond the shadows will come the sun- 
shine. But we must have workers when the 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 19 

time comes for the reconstruction of the world. 
... If you can help people to prepare, and get 
ready yourself, it will be of immense value. . . . 
" Keep serene. Tranquillity of soul is a 
great spiritual asset and a mark of concealed 
power. Still waters flow deep. Yours are at 
present too turbulent. Keep calm. Keep 
peace and restfulness in your ow T n hearts. 
That is the best attitude of mind to help man- 
kind at the present time. One soul with suf- 
ficient light and knowledge can do more to help 
the world than a hundred without it, battling 
in the darkness." 

" Have no trace of doubt or fear, but follow 
this high guidance confidently, for it comes 
from Heavenly Teachers far beyond me in wis- 
dom and vision. They have told me all that 
they told you, and it will be an immense joy 
and privilege to me to be the means of approach 
between you at needed moments. I am able 
myself, whilst my soul-body is in trance, to 



20 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

rest in the inner spaces and there obtain fresh 
illumination for my own path. 1 I am as a 
child beside these high Presences, and their 
dazzling auras sometimes almost blind me. . . . 

" I need only turn my thoughts toward my 
Teacher to get inspiration from him, but it 
must be a 'demanding' thought. The same 
with you, if you strongly demand and at the 
same time are calmly receptive. Nothing 
must come in between these two states of mind, 
no confusion of earthly thoughts. Wait 
patiently for the full answer/' 

• •••«.« 

" I want to tell you a little about the true 
use of Prayer. The usual kinds of prayer are 
almost valueless because they are petitions in- 
stead of demands. 'Knock, and it shall be 

i For some months I was unable to hear the higher 
Teachers without the mediumship of my friend on the 
other side as above described. Later, when able to 
lift my own consciousness to a more spiritual level, I 
became able to hear them with ease, and this continues. 
I was also then able to feel their inspiring atmosphere 
far more clearly, and later still to see them. The high- 
est Teachers do not descend to our level. We must 
rise in consciousness to meet them.- — M. B. W. 



SOME COMMUNICATIONS 21 

opened unto you/ It means a good hard 
knock too, as we soon learn on this side, to win 
an answer. The vast, eternal supply of Divine 
Power is all around us, but it needs both con- 
centration of will, and faith, to be able to tap 
it, or to make the door open, — if you prefer 
Jesus' simile. You folk down there, or out 
there, are so feeble in your prayers, or else so 
selfish; and both these attitudes of mind are 
negative, not positive. 

" If you would only practice steadily the 
right kind of prayer, you would soon see won- 
derful results. The matter of the universe is 
plastic to the power of thought, and responds 
at once to power, not to weakness, or vacilla- 
tion of purpose. At the same time there are 
many interior forces working in different direc- 
tions through the web of people's lives. If 
your prayer for another soul would interfere 
with the pattern being woven by Heavenly 
Powers in that particular soul's life, your 
prayer force will be thrust aside by these Pow- 
ers and used in a general way to cheer and 



22 THE THINNING OP THE VEIL 

strengthen. In any case the force is wisely di- 
rected and controlled, never lost or wasted. 
Prayer is too often set aside for fixed occasions, 
as at noon and eve, at religious services and so 
on, when in reality it should be the daily 
breath of the soul ; its steady and unwavering 
demand for power and light. Prayer really 
should imply both the demand and the re- 
sponse. It is the attitude of the soul that, hav- 
ing drawn forth the underlying Divine power, 
now rests consciously upon it and accomplishes 
all tasks with a sense of inherent Divinity. 
Work then would be a joy instead of a labour, 
and would be done with ease instead of with 
strain. There is no sense of labour about the 
operations of nature. All is accomplished 
steadily and, with a few exceptions, restfully. 
It is only man who labours painfully. Some 
day he will learn the lesson, and girded con- 
sciously with Divine power and wisdom, w 7 ill 
do wondrous work without difficulty." 



VISIONS 

I HAVE had two distinct types of Vision : 
(1) Symbolic, (2) Glimpses into the 
Beyond. Of the first kind, one of the 
most vivid was that of a Greek chariot drawn 
by two white horses plunging through a dark 
valley. They were tossing their heads and 
racing wildly, with loosened reins and no 
charioteer. 

The Teacher who stood beside me, said : 
" Behold the nations of the earth, uncon- 
trolled, plunging headlong into chaos/ 1 

I saw a vast darkened plain covered with 
broken pillars of fallen buildings and frag- 
ments of masonry. It seemed to reach for 
many miles, but beyond gleamed a long line of 
hills and distant country golden in sunshine. 

The Teacher drew himself very upright (a 
little characteristic way he has), and said: 

23 



24 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

" Thou seest the end of the aeon, the fall of the 
present civilization and its institutions. Be- 
yond this scene of chaos is an era of light and 
beauty." 

I was sitting alone among the sandhills 
when I perceived the Teacher standing near 
me. He said : " Heed not the voices of the 
World, little daughter, but at all times and 
upon every question heed the inner voice of the 
Spirit. Steady thy feet on the rock of spirit- 
ual understanding." I saw his feet resting on 
a snow-white rock. They seemed surrounded 
by white light, 

" Now take this golden ball," he said, and to 
my great astonishment he held out a shining 
golden globe about as large as a child's toy bal- 
loon. I could just hold it with both hands. 
" Is it heavy? " he asked. " Almost too heavy 
for me to hold," I said. He took it and tossed 
it into the air, where it flew away on two little 
shining wings. "What does this mean?" I 
asked. " Man unaided cannot hold the ball of 



VISIONS 25 

Divine Wisdom, spiritual understanding ; 
neither can he pass the treasure to others. He 
must rely upon Divine Power to create for his 
treasure wings whereon it may easily fly to 
other souls. Continually thus must it be 
passed from one to another, for, resting with 
one soul alone, even spiritual truth becometh a 
dead weight. Do not send it forth heedlessly, 
but through Divine Intuition speed thy ball in 
the right direction. In other words, service 
must always follow illumination." He then 
turned to my friend, who was listening, and 
said : " Explain this to her more fully." My 
friend said : " The Teacher was reminding 
you of the need for calling upon Divine Power 
before passing on truths you have received. 
They must be shared with others, but wisely. 
He was also testing your psychic vision by 
that little symbolic episode. You stood the 
test well, seeing quite clearly. I am so glad." 

On another occasion, when my power of 
vision was again being tested, I was shown the 



26 THE THINNING OP THE VEIL 

inner being of the rocks, " Behold these rocks/ 5 ' 
said the Teacher, " instinct with life are they, 
and respond to us immediately.'' He touched 
one lightly and it glowed like molten gold. 
He touched a second and it shone white as 
moonlight ; another, and it was rosy. " See 
how the soul of the rock changeth her garment 
to greet us, smileth upon us, if you will. I 
speak in symbol. All life is manifold." He 
touched the sea-pinks and I saw them in an 
aura of light. " Through the soul of all things 
floweth the light of the Creator. Perceive 
this. Perceive me!" I turned and saw his 
tall figure flaming with light as of the sunset, 
and on the forehead a seven-rayed star of all 
colours. " Knowledge cometh slowly to the 
human brain, and still more slowly doth wis- 
dom dawn. In all thy thoughts and doings en- 
deavour to be wise, resting upon that perfect 
wisdom that beats within the heart of the uni- 
verse. To be clearly conscious of this is to be 
wise beyond the sons of men. Gird thyself 



VISIONS 27 

with power immortal, not with power mortal, 
to attain. Consider my words. Rest upon 
immortal power as upon a rock, rather than 
upon the frail flower of human understand- 
ing." 

I will now give one or two of the other type 
of visions, viz. : a Glimpses into the next 
World/' 

At first I saw only the beautiful beings who 
came to visit me, often at quite unexpected 
moments. One day in a wood I suddenly 
heard a sweet voice saying behind me: 
" There is no death ! all, all is Life." I turned 
round surprised, and beheld a most radiant 
lovely lady standing against the trees. Her 
dress was like blue water blown by the wind, 
her hair golden. She said : " I am pleased 
that you can see me, child. Drink deep of the 
immortal fountains so near you in this peace- 
ful spot." She smiled and vanished. I was 
simply delighted, and felt so happy. 



28 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

Another day, when standing on some rocks 
by the sea, I heard the Teacher say : " Thy 
soul hath responded to the impulse given unto 
her by me. I now prepare her for still further 
unfoldment." He then placed his cool hands 
oyer my eyes for a few seconds. " Now behold 
me!' J I looked and saw his tall white-robed 
figure all suffused with golden light, instead 
of the blazing white one I used to see. Beyond 
this was a further aura of blue growing 
brighter and whiter around the head. The 
face was wonderfully serene and beautiful. 
Some weeks later, when I had become quite 
accustomed to seeing friends, the Teacher, and 
angels, I began to get glimpses of the scenery of 
the heavenly world, feeling almost transported 
there in spirit. Thus I found myself walking 
through an exquisite garden fashioned like a 
Greek cross, with four paths flower-bordered, 
meeting at the centre beneath a rose-covered 
arbour. One path was bordered by masses of 
blue flowers, the second by golden ones, the 
third and fourth by rosy and white ones, I 



VISIONS 20 

stood at the centre and gazed with joy down 
each avenue of colour, and was then told that 
the flowers possessed greater influence when 
thus arranged. They were all bathed in 
pearly light, and even the green shrubs at the 
back seemed surrounded by a silver radiance. 

Another time I stood in a garden belted 
round with tall white lilies. The ground was 
covered with moss and violets, again arranged 
in masses. I saw a tree with white bell-shaped 
blossoms of a kind unknown to me, and these 
seemed to shed downward rays of fragrant 
light. There was a broad stream flowing by, 
and I distinctly saw white clouds reflected in 
it, and the images of bright birds that were 
passing overhead. Beyond, in the distant 
sunny landscape, was a white road, groves of 
what looked like cypress trees, and a pillared 
white building. Then all faded. 

I can never at will call up such scenes, or see 
the fair beings. Neither can I imagine what 
they are going to say to me. The scene sud- 



30 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

denly reveals itself, as if a curtain were lifted 
from it. 

When standing upon a bare and lonely moor 
in winter, the Teacher came to me and said: 
" Let the stillness of this moorland steal over 
your soul. Let the beauty of our inner world 
reveal itself unto you." 

I then beheld in a flash the soul-side of the 
moor, literally clothed with colour, rich pink 
and purple in masses, all glowing and glisten- 
ing with a kind of ethereal radiance. No bare 
patches, no peat-holes, but all one blaze of 
light and colour, wave after wave of it, so daz- 
zling that I felt as if I could not have borne the 
sight for more than a moment. 

The Teacher then said : " The inner soul- 
side of the earth is always beautiful, and it is 
this soul of beauty in nature that is for ever 
seeking to break through and to transform the 
ugliness and chaos created by man. The 
eternal spirit, invincible and all-conquering, 
doth thus triumph over the transitory. It is 



VISIONS 31 

this hidden and invisible beauty that we desire 
you to perceive, and to reveal unto others that 
they may do so likewise. Let vision enwrap 
you as with a garment, a cloak clasped upon 
your shoulders by us. Easier is it to perceive 
Divine Beauty in nature than in many a hu- 
man soul, yet there also doth it reside in per- 
fect fulness, for within the soul of man shineth 
the eternal One, invincible, all-conquering. 
The higher we rise the more clearly do we real- 
ize this, and the greater power have we to draw 
it forth into manifestation. Yet always must 
there be some response in the human soul, and 
often have we to wait for this. iEons may 
pass before a soul will gladly yield this re- 
sponse. Strangely varied is the evolution of 
each one. A child in one day may progress 
further than a learned sage, for the windows 
of youth more readily open unto us. It is for 
the future teachers of humanity to realize this 
and to encourage these little ones to seek the 
invisible. Eeadily will they respond to this 
thought, in many instances, and grow up freed 



32 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

from the danger of the materialism that for 
ever seeks to engulf and to delay humanity/ 1 

On Christmas Day, 1917, about 7.30 P. m., I 
was hushing my baby girl to sleep when sud- 
denly voices broke right in across my lullaby 
with quite a different tune and words. I at 
once stopped to listen, and heard in a clear, 
sweet chant : 

" Glory to Jesus, Glory to Jesus, Glory 
to Jesus, Prince of Peace." A pause, and 
then : " Beloved Master, Beloved Master, Be- 
loved Master! We salute Thee Lord of all." 
Here a veil seemed rent away and I 
saw before me a lovely summer scene: 
trees, a lake far off, and near by a grassy 
slope studded with deep blue starry flow- 
ers. Down this slope was moving a band of 
maidens, golden-haired, robed in white, bare- 
footed, and it was they who were singing. I 
seemed to go with them in spirit, and we 
passed into what looked like an abbey such as 
Tintern, roofless, and with no glass in the win- 



VISIONS 33 

dows, through which I saw again the lake be- 
yond. The floor was a lawn covered with 
daisies. I saw worshippers standing around 
the walls and amongst them relatives of my 
own. I went over and stood by them, and they 
showed me that upon each broad window-ledge 
was a great golden-leaved volume, resting on a 
velvet cushion — The Scriptures of the World. 
I saw our Bible upon a rich blue cushion, the 
Vedas on a light blue, Chinese scriptures on a 
yellow, and the Koran upon a crimson one. 
Then I perceived that around the whole build- 
ing by each window stood two angels. These 
angels were singing with the choir of maidens 
who now stood in the centre forming a large 
cross. When the voices sank into silence, a 
dove descended from the heavens, followed by 
a blaze of intense golden light that spread over 
the whole church, and a voice whispered to me : 
" The Christ Light." All heads were then 
bowed, and after a few moments of silence the 
worshippers dispersed. I was told later that 
I had witnessed one of the many forms of 



34 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

Christmas service on the Third Plane of the 
Next Life. 

These brief descriptions of a few of the 
glimpses granted to me cannot convey the mar- 
vellous vividness of the experiences. Nothing 
in the outer life leaves so strong, clear, and 
striking a remembrance. It is as if a dazzling 
living picture were impressed upon some sensi- 
tive plate in one's mind, so extraordinarily 
vivid that earthly scenes seem pale beside it 
and lack the perfect beauty in every detail 
which the heavenly scene possesses. 

I should like to say in conclusion that al- 
though this development has made me more 
sensitive in every way, my health has not suf- 
fered at all thereby, and the experiences have 
brought me much peace, joy, and inspiration. 
I have not once heard or seen anything that 
was not beautiful. The Teacher's care for my 
well-being is such that he will only allow me 
to see or hear when I can do so with ease, and 



VISIONS 35 

I am only rarely allowed to receive messages 
from strangers over there, as be is anxious for 
my psychic faculty not to be overstrained at 
all. Once when I was eager for a fresh experi- 
ence, he said : " Patience, patience, little 
daughter. Thou canst not force the opening of 
a flower. Petal by petal must its leaves un- 
fold." 

I am told that this gentle and normal form 
of psychic faculty is to be the usual one in fu- 
ture for the human race, free from effort or 
strain, independent of any kind of apparatus, 
bringing only peace and blessing to oneself 
and others. The dawn of a new era is upon 
us all. 



PART II 
WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 



' Search your hearts. 
Purify your minds. 
Have supreme faith. 
Do not falter. 

Sanctify your every thought. 
Open your souls to receive God's greatest gift : 
Love Omnipotent ! " 



s 



PART II 
WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 

THE PERFECT PURPOSE 

a /^ LOWLY doth the Builder of all Good 
out of imperfection evolve perfection. 
He taketh aeons to perfect His handi- 
work, but the end is sure. Beyond human un- 
derstanding is the conception of the world- 
ideal. Every member of the human race must 
take part therein, and every part is perfectly 
fitted into the whole. 

"As we progress further in these upper 
realms, more and more marvellous do the Cre- 
ators purposes appear to our vision. We can 
but bow our heads in awe and reverence. 
We feel our minds as the dust compared with 
the Eternal Mind out of which proceed such 
mighty operations. I would have you realize 
to some extent this glorious unchangeable 

39 



40 THE THINNING OP THE VEIL 

purpose which urges the whole of mankind 
forward to its appointed destiny — a purpose 
which is as wide as the universe, and yet em- 
braces the smallest detail. Nothing is beyond 
its scope — all things lie within it. One 
glimpse of cosmic vision such as that granted 
to us who move in these higher spheres, ban- 
ishes for ever every vestige of doubt or fear in 
any possible situation — personal, national, 
or racial. 

" All is perfectly adjusted and overruled to 
the highest ends. Try to rest in the con- 
sciousness of this truth. Do not be impatient 
about any human soul. Stretch your minds 
to behold the aeons before it ; but never cease 
your own activity in pursuit of the ideal, for 
surely it is by one's own spiritual growth that 
one can best help one's fellows forward. This 
is a divine and glorious work. Rejoice that 
your eyes are already open unto it." 

• •••••• 

" Slowly doth the world-drama unfold itself. 
Page by page is turned in the book of history, 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 41 

yet are all these pages intimately connected 
one with another. To those who have eyes to 
see there is a sequence, a thread binding the 
whole together. Impossible to judge the en- 
tire book by one page, impossible for you to 
judge the effect of the war upon your nation at 
the present moment. Long will it be before 
the results thereof are made apparent. Unex- 
pected will many of them be to the world, but 
not so to us, who know the currents and who 
perceive the influences at work behind the 
scenes. We see whither events are tending, 
although we are not always able to prophesy 
details accurately. The large things that 
come are destined, unescapable. These may 
man not pass by. He is bound to undergo 
them, bound to receive certain harvests of his 
actions, good and ill. These often appear to 
him undeserved, extraordinary, cruel, or, on 
the other hand, far bevond his deserts. He 
does not realize the threads which bring to 
people the circumstances and events of the 
present. Nor does he realize that much har- 



42 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

vest may be held over for reaping in future 
incarnations. It is thus impossible to judge 
either a nation or an individual from the hu- 
man standpoint, as you cannot see either the 
past or the future, but only the very short 
limit of the present span upon earth. 

u Could you but behold things from our 
higher vantage ground, you would be amazed 
at the justice and mercy with which destiny is 
over-ruled and ordered, not only the destiny 
of the nation but the destiny of the humblest 
soul therein, not only the destiny of a king or 
a prophet but of the poorest savage or the 
most unmitigated scoundrel in the darkest 
slum. Every life is carefully watched and 
helped, whenever possible. However slowly 
the soul climbs in its earliest stages, the 
watchers and helpers never lose patience. 
This is because they are always permitted to 
glimpse forward along the destiny of the par- 
ticular soul whom they are permitted to guide. 
They may not see the supreme goal, but they 
have, as I say, a glimpse of some portion of 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 43 

the coming mission of that earth-bound being, 
and it is this that enables them to realize that 
he is, like all the rest, a child of God, upheld 
and sustained, assured by the Divine Creator 
Himself of his ultimate spiritual triumph. 

" All of us are indeed sure of two things — 

" (1) That we are intimately in communion 
both with the Creator and with the soul w r hom 
we are guiding. 

" (2) That we are therefore enabled to 
bring inspiration and light to these little ones 
in the form most adapted to their need; pre- 
paring the spiritual food, so to say, in such a 
way that they can digest and assimilate it. 
Little by little are they thus led upward along 
the heavenly path, passing from Teacher to 
Teacher as they grow in wisdom and spiritual 
stature until they stand where we stand, half- 
way up the ladder of human progress heaven- 
ward. 

" For each the way is different, yet for each 
the essentials are the same. The same ideals 
in essence are set before one and all. Just as 



44 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

all need the same atmosphere to breathe in 
order to live, so all need to grow more and 
more fully in the attainment of the supreme 
and dominant virtues of the Creator, namely, 
Love, Wisdom, Truth. 

" It is very hard to describe in human 
language the marvellous and diverse methods 
in which the more developed children of light 
help the younger ones to acquire these virtues 
whilst dwelling in the body of flesh. Wonder- 
ful would seem to you the ways used to 
awaken such,, and strange indeed that with all 
the earnest longing power and consecration 
used, the results are not more often immedi- 
ate. But very bewildering is the outer world 
to the human soul immersed therein, whose 
attention is at once turned outward instead 
of inward, and quickly does it become more 
and more enmeshed in the enticing intricacies 
of the surface life. Disentanglement is a slow 
process. Very few are the souls who are not 
drawn into these meshes at the start. These 
rare souls rapidly pass heavenward, and be- 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 45 

come the pioneers of the Race. Were it not 
for these, the progress of humanity would in- 
deed be tedious — far slower even than it is 
now. Thank God we have these shining ones 
among us, who constantly illumine, inspire 
and refresh us in our work for the world. 

" The war is but one small phase of the 
drama of which I speak to you. It will pass. 
The results thereof will be surely over-ruled 
to perfect ends. From henceforth mankind 
will ascend more swiftly. This is assured. 
We are absolutely confident about it." 

ENTER EACH DAY WITH CAREFUL 
PREPARATION 

" Not only every day, but every hour, every 
moment, has its appointed task. We on this 
side appreciate the significance of this more 
than you do. You must learn to realize 
values from the inner rather than the outer 
point of view. A moment is eternal, it is 
elastic, it has no duration. Intensity gives it 



46 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

value. One second of intense feeling may do 
more good or more harm than an hour of shal- 
low emotion. One strong heavenward aspira- 
tion, one deep desire, one clear thought, is 
more precious than a whole day, even a godly 
day, lived on the surface of things. We must 
have force to work with. Generate this force. 
How else may mankind, which is for ever slid- 
ing on the surface of things, be raised up? 
You must give us a lever. Every earnest soul 
must learn to prize power or force and to gen- 
erate it consciously. All power is drawn from 
the supreme Source by conscious human 
aspiration. Harness your desires to divine 
impulses. Let not little things hold you in 
sway. The coming age is to be a day of big 
things — first in the soul of man and then big 
changes in the external world. Prepare for 
this by enlarging your consciousness — en- 
large, I SAY, ENLARGE." 

• • - • • • • • 

" Face a wide horizon every morning by ris- 
ing to a higher elevation of outlook. From 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 47 

the mountain of the soul must the day be 
viewed, rather than from the lowland. Each 
soul has its own inner heights and its own 
pathway thereto. I pray you find this path- 
way, and, having found it, ascend. Let this 
be to you a sacred daily duty. Undertake it 
at dawn, or when first the eyes open upon the 
outer world, before the rush of the day has 
seized you in its grip. It is on the mountain 
that you will realize how to seize and use the 
significance of the moments of which the days 
are full. Much would result could you appre- 
ciate the meaning of my words. Let not these 
precious gifts of time pass you fruitlessly. 
We need them all. 

" In calmness lies power. No strain or ef- 
fort is needed, but rather the turning of the 
attention towards divine realities, which 
should be accomplished as restfully as turning 
to look at a beautiful view or at a child's lovely 
face, or at a flower. You should turn, because 
it is a joy to do so. This you will realize if 
you persevere. In the restful aspiration of 



48 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

the soul lies greater power than in any amount 
of strenuous activity of mind. An uplifting 
of heart and soul is what we would have you 
attain, rather than an effort of the outer mind. 
Greater is the power of the quiet stream than 
the power of the whirlwind. ... Realize that 
these mighty forces flow through you imme- 
diately when you make yourselves receptive to 
them. . . . By day remember the other lessons 
of joy, serenity, and self-control. At night 
and at dawn, dwell upon the thought of recep- 
tivity to Divine Power, which will then be 
with you and will inspire the coming moments 
so that you may make the utmost use of them." 

" Consecrate the ideals of your souls. Let 
nothing deter you from fixing your gaze upon 
these. Dedication is the initial step on the road 
you are called upon to follow r . This road may 
truly be said to lead from darkness to light — 
the light of spiritual understanding. . . . 
Thus you will realize the true significance of 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 49 

life in the body, and learn to perceive the outer 
from the within, instead of, as now, the inner 
from the without. Surely, surely shall these 
things be to you if you will but have the pa- 
tience to persevere. Few there are who real- 
ize this ideal whilst still in the flesh, but in 
the coming days many must attain to it if 
mankind is to ascend more quickly than here- 
tofore. All who desire and pray for this 
ascent are being pressed into the service. 
This is the way to a deeper spiritual life. I 
cannot sufficiently appraise to you the value 
and significance of such work. The radiance 
of the inner life of even one soul upon the 
earth who has perfectly realized what I mean, 
contributes to illumine and clear the dark at- 
mosphere of world-thought. More powerful is 
such influence for the uplift of the Race than 
much outward action. Thought is a greater 
power than spoken word or outward deed. 
These limit it, rather than express it fully. 
By thought shall the world be purged. Only 



50 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

through a purged and purified atmosphere 
may the ideals of the inner realms be out- 
wardly manifested on the earth. " 

• •••••• 

u My friends, I would have you realize how 
easy it is to tap the well-springs of Divine 
Power. You are apt to feel that these are 
hard to reach, or that you have not the power 
to do so, but in reality they lie within your 
own heart, at your very door, so to say. You 
need nothing but the faith to stretch out your 
hand and to take this living water. Drink it 
not on rare occasions, but as your daily re- 
freshment. Draw upon the water of life each 
day for your every need of soul and of mind 
and of body. You will accomplish this by 
faith, aided by imagination. The Divine 
Fount of healing and of inspiration is con- 
stantly beside every human soul. Consciously 
refresh yourselves, not once but many times a 
day. 

" Dwell in thought upon those things only 
that are of real moment. Pass over others as 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 51 

lightly as a bird touches water with its wings. 
Thus shall you stand within, in the peace, 
rather than without in the tumult. Rule the 
without from the within. You can do far more 
than you know, simply by the power of 
thought, which is the greatest force in the 
universe. 

" Thought is the framework upon which all 
outward things are constructed. . . . Through 
this alone was the world created and all that 
moves therein. As we rise in the scale of evo- 
lution, this becomes more and more clear to 
us. Realize your Divine Power. Use it with 
thankfulness and awe." 

" To our view, the life on earth is indeed 
one of conflict for all earnest souls who desire 
to progress swiftly on the upward road. But 
I would have you understand that this conflict 
is not necessarily sorrowful. It can and 
should be essentially joyous, a heroic mastery 
over circumstances whereof the soul should al- 
ways feel itself king. . . . We will help you to 



52 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

achieve that which you would otherwise find 
impossible, showing you how to create anew 
the whole fabric of your thought and circum- 
stance." 

" The great fault we have to find with much 
of the work attempted by man is that it is not 
sufficiently inspired and prepared for from 
within. . . . Prepare at length in the inner 
for speedy activity in the outer." 

" As the body prepares for sleep each night, 
holy should the thoughts be. This is of vital 
importance to the soul. Always at night re- 
member to lay aside all the cares of the day, 
all thoughts of outward matters, all anxieties 
or fears. Cast these off as you would a gar- 
ment. Lie down to sleep in perfect peace, 
realizing that you are beneath the Divine care, 
folded in the Heavenly love and beauty. 
Blessed is the soul that can thus trust itself to 
the Infinite Power each night. This prepara- 
tion will surround you with light and inspira- 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 53 

tion during the hours of sleep. More readily 
shall we be able to influence and prepare you 
for the coming day." 

"Make a firmer spiritual preparation for 
the day, both whilst robing and whilst taking 
the first meal. Sacred and wonderful, preg- 
nant with power are these first hours of the 
day, w r hen the soul, refreshed by bodily sleep 
and by its increase of vital energy from the 
Unseen, starts once again upon its daily jour- 
ney. Go forward, serenely conscious of Di- 
vine Power sustaining you at all times. Then 
the light will shine through every cloud that 
crosses your pathway. Children of light are 
troubled by no outward storm. Swiftly does 
it recede before them. No outward agitation 
need alarm the soul that is centred in seren- 
ity. The soul createth her own atmosphere, 
therefore her sky need never be grey." 



54 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 



THE WORLD-CATACLYSM 

" The responsibility for the world-cataclysm 
rests with man. Man doth produce his own 
chaos and cosmos. A choice is daily offered 
to him afresh. Every soul that lifts its con- 
sciousness to the realities beyond the strife is 
helping the forces of light that will ultimately 
prevail." 

" The work here is overwhelming, largely 
because such multitudes of souls, who have 
passed over during these last years of war, are 
not at home here yet. Their chief interests is 
still upon the earth. This is usually so in the 
case of a sudden passing, particularly when 
under tragic circumstances. We have the 
greatest difficulty in arousing such souls to 
any degree of interest in the life here. They 
are constantly wishing for the past, either be- 
cause of the interest of a remembered career, 
or else (and this is the strongest influence) 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 55 

owing to their great desire to be again with 
loved ones left on earth. 

"Many of these souls we are seeking to 
enrol in our great campaign for thinning the 
veils; and we find that this is a w r ork which 
attracts them when all others fail. However, 
even here we are hindered by the fact that only 
a very small number are fitted for this partic- 
ular work. I cannot describe to you the im- 
mense complexities with which workers are 
faced, with regard to these human problems. 
It is like seeking to move one who will not go 
forward, and cannot go back. When I tell 
you that there are hundreds of thousands in 
this condition, you will perhaps appreciate a 
little of our almost superhuman task. Until 
we have dealt with this vast problem satisfac- 
torily, we do not feel inclined to undertake 
any other work. The work connected with 
the earth is for the moment retarded. 

" It was not realized that there would be 
such stupendous difficulties caused by the hu- 
man race rushing into our realms in such 



56 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

countless numbers, though we have been pre- 
paring for this event for a very long time past. 
I cannot say at present when we shall issue 
from these difficulties. We are one and all 
deeply immersed in them. I speak not only of 
myself, and of those who are co-operating with 
me, but of thousands of such groups who hope 
to come later into more direct contact with 
the earth, in order to uplift and purify the 
human race. Meanwhile do all that you can 
to help us by your earnest prayer for these 
thousands of miserable ones. Could you but 
see them in their agony and desolation, you 
would indeed feel a longing to be of assist- 
ance. 

" It was to obtain fresh help that I went to 
that other planet, as before described. 1 I was 
successful, being able to bring a large number 
of spiritual beings, who had ascended into 
their own Heaven, but were perfectly ready to 
come hither with me. 

" We are doing everything in our power to 

i In a previous talk he had told us of this mission. 



WOEDS FROM THE TEACHER 57 

hasten forward the vast masses of your earth- 
souls blocking the avenues between the 
spheres/' 

"We expect very unusual psychic experi- 
ences during the months that come after the 
return of the warriors. Not for you alone, 
but for others also who are being similarly 
prepared and awakened. There will be a 
great leap forward in the psychic condition of 
the Race, when once the carnage has ceased. 
Much hidden work that has been going on will 
then bear fruit. We look forward to the com- 
ing time with great rejoicing. 

"We are getting on faster now with our 
work amongst the sorrowing souls in the 
darkness of despair. Our Brotherhood has 
organized the movement of which I told you 
before, by which relatives on our side have been 
enabled to come into closer touch with those 
newly deceased. 

" Avenues of light have been made between 
the third realm and the borderland in which 



58 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

we are at work. These have been created 
largely by the thought-power of the Masters, 
who felt that some great effort of this kind was 
essential if the present chaos was to be over- 
come. 

" I need not again refer to those conditions 
of which I spoke to you, except to say that the 
darkness is being penetrated by light from the 
beyond, so that multitudes of these unhappy 
victims of the world's mania are now pressing 
forward instead of drawing back, and are en- 
tering the higher realms companioned by their 
friends who came to meet them and by us. 

" There is still a great deal to be done, but 
we are much relieved, and very thankful to 
those Higher Ones through whom we have ob- 
tained the necessary help to organize this new 
campaign. As one of the Masters, I speak of 
power and light which we have received from a 
source higher than ourselves and through 
which we can accomplish that which we desire 
to do. The effects of this will be far-reaching. 
It is somewhat as if a veil were rent between 



WOEDS FROM THE TEACHER 59 

the third realm and the borderland, so that 
there will not again be this waiting in the 
darkness which has been the fate of so many 
passing over in doubt or distress of mind. 

" In this way, too, the inhabitants of the 
third realm have been brought nearer to the 
earth ; which they can reach through these ave- 
nues of light I have described to you, and 
which stretch right through from the third 
plane to the earth, and are daily increasing in 
number. 

" Each Master is endeavouring to create one 
such avenue, which we trust will be a high 
road for the future. This work will have a de- 
cided effect in the thinning of that still denser 
veil between the borderland and your earth 
about which we have so many times spoken to 
you. Blessed work! Be thankful that you 
are one of those co-operating with us in it. I 
thank you too." 

• •••••• 

" In perfect tranquillity and restfulness re- 
ceive my words. I desire that you should all 



60 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

remain very calm indeed during the coming 
months, allowing nothing to agitate you either 
from without or from within. This is neces- 
sary because outside world-conditions will be 
extremely chaotic, leading to all kinds of con- 
fusion, causing distressing vibrations, which it 
is important that you should, one and all, be 
able to withstand. You must remember that 
every atmospheric disturbance of the state of 
society in which you live tends to affect the 
human soul in greater or less degree, accord- 
ing to the sensitiveness of the individual. 
Therefore I would have you all be on your 
guard against every wave of disturbance from 
without which would create confusion in your 
thought and feeling without your realizing 
the cause. This can be done only by steady, 
persistent, daily preparation of mind, relying 
upon Divine Power to create a sufficient de- 
fence against all intruding waves from the 
world of men. Very easily may you be thrown 
off your balance when you are not prepared in 
the way I describe. Garrison yourselves, 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 61 

therefore, each in the way that appeals to you 
most. Let never a day pass that is not started 
in this manner; and throughout the day, from 
time to time, these thoughts should be repeated 
and reinforced strongly from within. Thus 
will you be able to stand against the enemy 
who secretly penetrates even the heart's re- 
cesses. 

" The human soul is very blind while in the 
outer world, not knowing what assails it, feel- 
ing only irritation, discomfort or depression, 
seeking vainly the cause thereof. Rise above 
these waves of tumult as serenely as a bird 
rises into the calmer air whence he may fly to 
his destination with greater ease. We would 
have you thus rise upon your soul's wings unto 
the heights of peace and tranquillity. You 
can thereby help your fellow-men as well as 
yourselves, steadying many a one who other- 
wise would be cast adrift from his spiritual 
moorings. Very great confusion do I see for 
some considerable time after the war is ended. 
Hence my warning to you on this occasion. 



62 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

We do not exactly know when the war will 
end, but we do not think that it will last much 
longer, as the light is beginning now to im- 
pinge upon the darkness. We see the first 
signs of the approach of the new era towards 
w r hich you are advancing. You can all greatly 
help to make this era dawn in order and peace 
by keeping strongly the attitude of mind I 
have described, instead of joining the ranks of 
those who are tossed hither and thither by the 
unusual occurrences into which they will be 
plunged. 

u These coming troubles will be, as it were, 
the birth-pangs of the new age. We hope to 
work in that day more actively among you 
than is at present possible, since the inrush of 
souls to our coasts will, we can trust, have 
ceased; we shall then, therefore, not have our 
hands so full on this side. 

"Verily, verily, the time is steadily ap- 
proaching when mortal man will co-operate 
closely with those beyond mortality. Al- 
though we are almost overburdened at the 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 63 

present moment in our work here (often of a 
very distressing character), yet we feel very 
hopeful about the future. Quite lately we 
have had many perceptible signs that our 
prophecies, in some respects, are likely to be 
fulfilled more speedily than we anticipated. 
A year of your time, however, to us seems much 
shorter than it does to you, therefore we are 
not able to gauge the lapse of time very accu- 
rately for the earth-life. We are always care- 
ful not to commit ourselves to dates, having 
learned through experience that it is extremely 
difficult to foretell the time that events will 
take for their development. We would have 
you therefore understand us in this matter, 
and realize why w r e are not able to give you 
accurately dates of happenings on the earth - 
plane, either in your own life or in that of the 
nation to which you belong. 

M The world is still greatly overshadowed by 
the prolonged carnage, but we perceive a cli- 
max approaching, after which matters will not 
be the same. There will be a returning home 



64 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

of the surviving warriors after their terrible 
struggle with each other. In all nations this 
will bring intense relief, although mingled 
w T ith sorrow. This feeling of relief will be one 
of the first waves of light of the approaching 
day, in the mental atmosphere of the world. 
Rejoice, therefore, my children, and go for- 
ward with thankful hearts, quietly treading 
your own allotted roads, in no way discomfited 
by any delays in either outer or inner develop- 
ment, since the present time is not so much for 
activity as for passivity. For those who are 
on the spiritual road it is still a time for in- 
drawing and preparation whenever they find 
this possible. 

"Quietly prepare; walk forward in peace, 
taking hands with one another along this beau- 
tiful road to which Destiny has called you." 

CO-OPERATION WITH SPIRITUAL 
HELPERS 

" Soon, soon, far sooner than you realize, 
will men begin to believe steadily in communi- 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 65 

cations from the invisible realms. Surely, 
surely is light breaking through the clouds at 
last. Ah ! how much/ how much intensity of 
aspiration and work has it taken on our side 
before we could penetrate the dense barriers 
which lie between your souls and ours! To 
us, dwelling in these pure, ethereal realms, 
it is as if you were walking amid dense smoke 
and shadows in a darkened and gloomy place 
where it is hard for us to breathe. Realize 
that this is indeed the case. You must raise 
yourselves in thought and feeling to our level 
ere we can reach you with ease, ere w T e can 
accomplish all that it is our desire to achieve 
for mankind, so slow to recognize spiritual 
realities and ideals which yet are essential 
to his inner and outer well-being. 

" We cannot leave man beneath the dark 
canopy any longer. He cometh forth from 
it unto us, choked and blinded, unable to 
respond to our purer vibration, unfit for serv- 
ice in these higher realms. It is largely for 
this reason that we desire to illumine his 



66 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

mind while he is still upon earth, in order 
that he may come unto us not as a helpless 
babe but as a fit and willing helper. The 
time here, after passing from your world, is 
so largely spent at present in emerging from 
the chrysalis of past thoughts and feelings. 
Scarcely has the soul become accustomed to 
its new environment when destiny calls it into 
the School-world once more for another diffi- 
cult lesson. Whose fault? Let us all share 
the blame. Let us all seek to help one an- 
other to climb heavenward more speedily. 
Could the soul arrive here truly ready in every 
respect for this life, realizing its meaning, 
then might marvels undreamed of be per- 
formed, both here and in the next life upon 
earth. Such a soul entering at once into our 
life here would rapidly ascend to higher 
realms of power and beauty, would exert a 
beneficent influence upon all with whom it 
came into contact, and would draw unto it- 
self the very best and finest equipment of mind 
and body for its next incarnation. Descend- 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 67 

ing endowed with both love and wisdom, it 
would be indeed a light among men, a focus 
of great spiritual power, a leader for great 
reforms, an angel in human flesh. My chil- 
dren, this is possible for you all, if you can but 
rise to the realization of my meaning and be 
ready to dedicate yourselves daily — I would 
say hourly — to the service of the highest, to 
the service of humanity, and to the acquiring 
of the necessary virtues, qualities and facul- 
ties needed by a soul who is destined to mani- 
fest divine wisdom and love. How beautiful 
are such lives, treasured by us who long to 
behold them everywhere upon the earth, until 
the Kingdom of Heaven shall verily be mani- 
fested !" 

" The doorway of death is a doorway. There- 
fore regard it not as a wall. Behold it is a 
doorway that may be opened from either side, 
through faith and prayer, by any aspiring 
soul, eager for the welfare of humanity. Love 
can always find the key to the door, but the 



68 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

love must be unselfish. Such love do we feel 
for you. Seek also to feel this type of love 
for all with whom you come in contact. Let 
the well-being of the other souls be every- 
thing to you. Widen your circle. Let love 
radiate forth. So will you make it easy for 
us to approach you. So will you make it pos- 
sible for us to open the doors that would not 
yield to your pressure from the earth side. 
Much have we to reveal to the world through 
many channels. Much future work will 
take place between those on this side and 
those on your side, going forward joyously 
hand in hand, helping to lift man higher 
through united effort. He is feeble alone. 
Hand in hand with us, he is strong, for we 
realize the Divine Power more perfectly than 
he is yet able to do. 

" Gradually the beauty and significance of 
this sweet co-operation between the souls that 
have passed on and those loved ones still 
journeying upon the earth will be felt, and 
thankfulness and praise to the Divine Creator 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER GO 

for this blessed privilege will take the place 
of doubt, fear, or criticism. Be assured that 
these days are surely coming. Help us to 
bring them to you more speedily by your faith 
and hope. Unite with us in thought daily, 
taking our hands along the outward road, 
treading it always with a sense of the inner 
life and of the ideals to which we are all 
pressing forward." 

" Every attempt to deepen the conscious- 
ness, every effort to feel at one with us and 
the hosts of heaven, is a step upward not only 
for you as individuals but for the Race. One, 
one is the life that pulsates in the whole mass 
of humanity in all realms/' 

" The human brain is but an avenue through 
which to reach and influence the soul — that 
precious manifestation from the higher world, 
moving upon the earth muffled and cloaked by 
the dull physical brain and senses. Appeal 
always to the soul rather than to the mind 



70 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

of man, even though it be through the mind 
that the meaning of the truth is made intelli- 
gible." 

" Little do we reck of the powers of the 
human intellect. Far more do we treasure 
those priceless and eternal soul faculties which 
it is our special privilege and blessing to help 
to evolve and unfold in man. Man walks as 
a dreamer, tempted by shadows, by baubles, 
that last only a day. What can we do to 
free him from these unrealities of which the 
outer life is full ? Help us, by leading a truer 
life yourselves, each one of you following, as 
best he may, the light so far as revealed. 
Each soul thus acting becomes a centre of il- 
lumination and influence to scores of his fel- 
lows, though outwardly he and they may be 
almost entirely unconscious of this. 

"We are able to perceive subtle streams of 
influence that flow in and through the souls of 
men, permeating, transfusing, transforming 
the dull metal into living gold. Eoyal alchem- 
ists, heavenly workers may you thus become. 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 71 

A work of heavenly value may you thus fulfil 
within even a few years, by the patient practis- 
ing of that which you now realize." 

• ••*••• 

" Thankf ulness, thankfulness, thankfulness. 
I desire to impress upon you the great need 
for this attitude of mind continually. I would 
have you thankful at all times, not only when 
things go well, but when things are seemingly 
in confusion. At this moment give thanks 
that through Divine Power harmony may 
again be restored. This will enable us to help 
you to straighten out your own tangles of 
thought and feeling, and the disturbance 
caused by them in your immediate surround- 
ings. To give thanks at all times is not only a 
passport to serener conditions, but acts as a 
talisman, transforming the soul itself. Outer 
shadows would speedily disperse before the 
light of this quality wedded to faith. Very 
seldom do we perceive the two united in any 
degree of intensity. Human souls are fitful in 
their expressions of these most beautiful char- 



72 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

acteristics. Fitfulness accomplishes nothing. 
There must be steady persistence in the prac- 
tice of these heavenly virtues. 

" Hold on firmly to the Divine Power, al- 
ways available for the attainment and mani- 
festation of every God-like attitude. Thus 
only can you expect to show forth such whilst 
still in the world of shadows.'' 

" We are calling all who are endowed with 
the faculties necessary to the children of the 
coming time, to usher in the new age. This 
can only be done through pioneers in thought 
and feeling, along advanced, progressive lines, 
With great joy we are calling thousands now 
walking on the earth to join hands with us in 
our coming campaign for the rending of the 
veils of illusion. I speak not only of the veil 
between the outer life and the inner spheres 
of being, but also of those illusions of material- 
ism in which the Race is at present en- 
shrouded. They must go, before the ideals 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 73 

of the Kingdom of Christ can be manifest upon 
earth. 

" We- are very eager that every sonl thus 
called shall be able to accomplish the necessary 
preparation, therefore, wherever the call is 
made, we stand beside that human soul — not 
one, but many of us — waiting to support him 
on all sides, waiting to bring him exactly those 
opportunities which will enable him to receive 
the particular experience and inspiration 
which can best fit him for his special place in 
the coming scheme ; for much lies ahead of 
every such worker. Not only will he take part 
in the illumination of the world, but also 
through that go forward prepared for life in 
the inner spheres. 

" I have spoken before of this priceless ad- 
vantage of entering our realms with knowledge 
and power such as can be most fully and deeply 
attained whilst in the flesh. This may seem to 
you strange, but I assure you that it is pro- 
foundly true. That which has been won in 



74 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

the world beneath, whilst the soul is entombed 
in its thick and muddy vesture, has been won 
for eternity, so lasting, so vital, so significant 
is the impression made upon the soul by this 
means. We from our further vantage ground 
of illumination can realize a little the divine 
purpose underlying evolution, through incar- 
nation upon earth. We can perceive that the 
result of this method of soul-perfecting is stu- 
pendous in its possibilities. 

" I cannot, in your earth language, express 
to you all that this means. Some day you will 
understand. Sufficient meanwhile if I can, to 
some small extent, help you to realize that to 
be imprisoned as you are at present is a mar- 
vellous experience and opportunity, priceless 
in its advantages. One moment of attain- 
ment, strong and patient, in your present con- 
dition, is worth to you years of experience on 
this side of the veil. Therefore I beg of you to 
live deeply, to appreciate this rich privilege. 
Travel far in your spiritual attainment whilst 
you are still upon earth. 



WORDS PROM THE TEACHER 75 

u In a brief space of time, as it seems to you, 
may mighty changes be wrought in your char- 
acter, changes which can bring you from the 
position of an inefficient worker to that of a 
server of humanity, whose every thought en- 
nobles, sweetens and upraises all with which 
it comes in contact. Joy profound awaits him 
who is able, even in a small degree, to respond 
faithfully to this call." 

" Unite with me in prayer for the human 
Race, so that the spiritual quickening may be 
universal and progress rapid. The call will 
come to every soul to rise, in the degree to 
which it can respond. Not only to the few, 
but to the whole Race, must the call come. As 
the sunlight touches alike all the varied per- 
sonalities in a crowd of people walking in some 
open park, so will the light of the heavenly il- 
lumination strike upon each human soul. The 
intensity of the outpouring will be the same 
for every one, yet only those can be strongly 
quickened who are sufficiently evolved to ap- 



76 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

prehend and realize the call of the Creator, 
and respond to it. In thousands of different 
degrees will they do so. As never before will 
each one be helped by us — no longer sep- 
arated so rigidly by the veils that have existed 
heretofore between the seen and the unseen 
spheres of existence. The time is but short be- 
fore signs of this coming awakening will be 
perceived everywhere by those who are on the 
outlook for such. 

" To the eye of spirit these impulses and 
aspirations towards the more spiritual life are 
very perceptible. Even to the eye of flesh they 
will soon become so. Everywhere do we per- 
ceive, even in these early days of our campaign, 
the first fruits of our endeavour. Therefore 
do we go forward full of hope. We are by no 
means cast down by the shadows that oppress 
earnest souls who have not our eye of clearer 
vision to perceive the inner workings of truth. 
Never despair, therefore, for great is the hope 
for the morrow. Press forward with us in 
joy and thankfulness that you are awake to the 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 77 

realization of all that is to be through the co- 
operation of man with, if you will, super-man. 
We stand together, united in ideal, fellow- 
workers for the salvation of the Race from sir 
and despair, preventing by this great effort the 
deeper plunge into materialism which would 
otherwise have taken place. That moment of 
danger is now mercifully past, we trust for 
ever. The arc of ascent do we behold for each 
and all henceforward. Thanks be unto God." 



" Only those who are able to ascend in con- 
sciousness to our level can be easily reached in 
direct communication. Always from within 
cometh the light. Enter the deeps to receive 
it. Veil your soul from the world. To behold 
the Inner Glory the eye must be turned Hith- 
erward. Ascend the mountain tops with us. 
Let never the day star wane without this hav- 
ing been accomplished for at least some period 
of each day. Walk high in every personal 
thought and feeling. This is the only way in 



78 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

which to become fitted for helping one's fel- 
lows. 

" In the upper air alone can sure inspiration 
be received for the daily road; light obtained 
whereby one may surely guide oneself and 
one's fellows. Leave the morrow to unfold 
itself surely according to the Divine Plan. 
Afar the light gleameth. In that morning of 
the new era will all those be called together 
who are sufficiently prepared to take hands 
with us in the coming Heavenly work for the 
uplifting of the Race. Now is the time for 
preparation, deep and thorough. The hour 
will strike in due course when the workers will 
be called forth, each to his or her allotted task. 
See to it that you are ready when the Call 
comes. Our chosen ones must be able to take 
hands with us with ease, else will the labour 
be thwarted, or accomplished ill. Perfect 
work requireth as perfect tools as can be fash- 
ioned. The Heavenly Creator fashioneth each 
and all of His children thus, bringing in due 
course to perfection. First in one respect, 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 79 

then in another, doth each soul become 
equipped; and as each set of faculties ripens, 
each is used for the work most suitable for it, 
pending the time when the perfected human 
being can use all. Sure and beautiful stretch- 
eth the road sunward before every child of 
man. Let each but realize this, and go for- 
ward in the consciousness of Divine Light 
upon his face and being, wrapping him in a 
glory of which he may become aware by simply 
uplifting and unfolding his soul to the Heav- 
enly radiance. 

" Oh, my children, awake and unfold your- 
selves, that ye may walk no longer in darkness, 
or in twilight, but in the glorious noontide, 
possible for every one at any stage of evolution 
where consciousness can be illumined suf- 
ficiently from on High. The lowliest child of 
earth may behold the Hidden Glory. The 
tranquil mind, the loving heart, the eye of 
faith, only these are needed, but to a supreme 
degree rarely found in mortals, though quite 
possible of attainment by consecration of pur- 



80 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

pose, and sufficiently earnest spiritual desire 
and aspiration. In the days to come will thou- 
sands walk where now can tread only the few. 
Be ye leaders along these heavenly ways. 
Send my message to whom you will, whereso- 
ever it may comfort or inspire/' 

" The evening hour is the most useful for 
meditation. People should prepare them- 
selves for sleep, sacredly, religiously, by strik- 
ing a deep chord. This will launch the soul 
out into the Infinite upon a strong current, 
attracting greater power. All that most souls 
expect from sleep is a quieting of the outer 
senses, repose and bodily recuperation; 
whereas they should regard themselves as 
starting upon a voyage into the Unknown and 
should look for a new chapter of experience. 
During the time of sleep, Heavenly Ones ap- 
proach any soul that shows a sign of being pre- 
pared to assimilate thoughts from our side. 
They stand ready, waiting to be of assistance, 
conferring with each other how best to influ- 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 81 

ence the soul, while, loosened from its bodily 
form, it is in a state of trance. There is con- 
sultation as to how soon it will be possible to 
waken him therefrom to participate actively 
with us on our side. Not many are able yet to 
function thus; but we anticipate that great 
numbers will do so in the future. This is a 
phase of experience upon which the Race is 
just entering. Many more workers from our 
side are being called to undertake the work of 
arousing the soul that is asleep to the realities 
on our side of the veil, in order that it may re- 
turn to the body with clear memory thereof. 
Those endowed with psychic power will be the 
first to respond, and then later they in their 
turn will be able to influence their fellows on 
earth to an increasing extent. Being on the 
same level of development, and still connected 
with the body by day y they will be able to in- 
fluence sleepers more effectually than we could 
do. This will especially be the case where a 
tie of sympathy exists." 



(In answer to a question as to Evening Meditation) 



82 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

" I consider the evening hour good for medi- 
tation for the reason already given. It is ab- 
solutely essential that the soul should be thor- 
oughly prepared for sleep by a certain time of 
relaxation, by the indrawing of spiritual 
forces, and the quieting of the outer senses. 
Have I not said, too, that the early morning 
hour is important for the preparation of the 
soul for the coming day? I regard these two 
times of your earthly day as the best, the most 
fruitful, for the quiet hour; nevertheless, 
where neither of these is possible, let the soul 
seek to obtain a time apart at noon. It is the 
ordinary opinion in the East that evil powers 
manifest themselves in the darkness. It is 
therefore considered wiser by some to come in 
touch with the spiritual powers during the 
hours of light. Personally, I consider that for 
this very reason it is very important that the 
soul should come actively in touch with the 
spiritual powers after dark, in order that it 
may not even unconsciously become open to 
lesser influences. 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 83 

" Quiet communion with the Unseen does not 
exhaust the physical body but rather refreshes 
it. This is a different practice from that of 
concentrating with effort on a given theme. 
Taken in the sense in w T hich I have expressed 
it to you, meditation cannot be aught but in- 
spiring and helpful at any time." 

(In answer to a question relating to the reference to 
Intellect on p. 69) 

" I note that your friend compares 'brain and 
heart, whereas I referred to soul qualities as 
compared with those of the outer understand- 
ing. Apart from these, the intellect is by us 
deemed of but slight value. These soul quali- 
ties are vital, essential to the spiritual life, 
whereas intellectual ability, apart from them, 
is as it were dead. It must be illumined from 
the Beyond by the light through the soul from 
the Universal Spirit if it is to be of any true 
worth in the evolution of man. It is, as it 
were, a tool only, nothing more.-' 



84 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

THE SANCTUARY WITHIN 

"Good is it to rest upon the earth's fair 
bosom, for healing power doth abound therein, 
and we can draw it thence to flow through the 
mortal body. Rest upon the soil with this be- 
lief. Calming and restoring also is it to the 
mind to linger in quiet places apart from the 
haunts of men. Renew thus thy youth, daugh- 
ter of earth, drinking from thy mother Nature 
whose youth is immortal. Almost miraculous 
would seem the results if this habit of con- 
scious union with Nature could be practised 
with sufficient restfulness and receptivity. To 
explore fair scenes without this attitude of 
mind is to carry away but little of lasting 
value. I would have you glean therefrom 
treasure of eternal value. Lift up your soul. 
Lift up your eyes. Receive heavenly vitality, 
heavenly calm, heavenly radiance. The sea, 
the sky, the flowers of earth, all are Divine 
messengers. Welcome them, receive their 
gifts and rejoice, sharing that joy that shineth 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 85 

for ever from the glorious Spirit of the Crea- 
tor." 

" Far off rageth the sound of the battle, but 
here is peace and quiet. Even so do the out- 
ward thoughts and actions of mortal men oft- 
times war tumultuously, yet deep within them 
is peace beyond all imagination. The diffi- 
culty is that each soul must find his or her own 
path into the inner sanctuary, where the voice 
of Divinity can clearly be heard, soothing and 
guiding. Here in the innermost place of the 
soul perfect inspiration and light are to be 
found for every possible vicissitude of the 
outer daily life. Here lieth balm for the dark- 
est sorrow and enhancement of the sweetest 
joy. Here may blessing be sought and found 
at any moment of the day or night; yet how 
seldom do human beings actually find it thus ! 
Again I tell you that this failure is because the 
majority of mortals are living all the time 
upon the surface of life, seeing only the exter- 
nal appearances of people and things ; arguing 



86 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

from the external; criticizing, judging, sum- 
ming up everything from this shallow and 
wholly inadequate standpoint. 

"How different would the world be, could 
even a small number of strong and earnest 
souls see and act from the within, from indeed 
the very heart of the within; from the inner- 
most depths of being! Not behind the mind 
doth this sanctuary lie. Not through the in- 
tellect is the pathway thereto found. It lieth 
rather behind the heart of man, the soul. Dif- 
ficult is it to find a human word that will quite 
express my meaning. Through feeling rather 
than through thought is the pathway found. 
Therefore may the humblest, the most unedu- 
cated person, reach this haven of refuge. 
Beautiful are the ways of the Creator, enabling 
even those of His children who have appar- 
ently had least advantages to share the true 
riches available thus for all. Besides such 
wealth as that to be found only in the inner 
hidden treasury, the outer riches of the world 
are indeed but dross. Even the achievements 



'WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 87 

of science are not so vital to the welfare, the 
progress of the Race, as are the treasures of 
the innermost sanctuary, brought forth and 
shared by one human being with another. 
This fact we realize more on our side. This it 
is that makes the heavenly life so far more 
beautiful and satisfying in every way for all 
who participate in it. Here the real is easily 
distinguishable from the unreal : that which 
matters from that which matters not. 

" We are not deceived, and even those who 
have sojourned here but a short while soon 
begin to understand life from the new stand- 
point. Yet it is not easy to unloose the soul 
from the old conceptions brought over w^ith it 
from the earth. For the majority of you who 
pass over there is much unlearning to be done 
before you can start learning afresh. It is 
for this reason I wish to emphasize the need 
for seeking to live more deeply and helping 
others to do so, in order that, when passing 
hence, you may be better equipped for better 
heavenly service with us, instead of having to 



88 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

be consigned like infants to a kindergarten 
mistress to learn and acquire slowly the ways 
of the new world. Let this world when you 
enter it be to you not strange, but only a place 
for the further unfoldment of ideals that you 
have already cultivated upon the earth. Sow 
these ideals there ; water and tend the growing 
plants that their blossoming may be sure and 
perfect, both on your side and on ours. Do 
not wait until you come here to plant the beau- 
tiful virtues and qualities of the spirit. 

" I must away to the vale of sorrow, hasten- 
ing thither with other angelic helpers on our 
divine mission for turning sorrow into peace, 
if not into joy. Later, at some stage or other, 
will every grief have this end. 

" Unto the Highest be praise ! " 

THE COMING DAY 

" It is Eastertide ! Round the horizon we 
see signs of a coming day when the dark sor- 
rows that now oppress mankind will roll away, 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 89 

and the blue sky be again revealed beyond the 
clouds. We believe that the light will be more 
widely recognized than ever heretofore. A 
new era approacheth when old things will pass 
away, and new and immortal things be made 
manifest. Harbingers of light appear. Be 
ready to receive them. Great Intelligences 
w^ill utter Avords of wisdom for the hearing of 
mankind, sometimes upon the earth sometimes 
from within through the human mind, as I am 
doing now. 

"Visible and invisible bands of them ap- 
proach for the enlightening of the Race, her- 
alds of the Coming Day. Be assured that this 
is so. In awe, reverence and joy welcome the 
invisible heavenly messengers to your weary 
world. We stoop in shining hosts to deliver 
you from your chains, knowing that we are 
leading you wisely and well, step by step pre- 
paring you to be of heavenly service. 

" We are seeking to prepare those who can 
give us a listening ear. This is the time for 
prayer, for inner purification, for soul illumi- 



90 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

nation. Let all who desire to take part in the 
Coming Day withdraw themselves and listen 
for the word of guidance. Such souls help to 
hasten the dawn." 

• •••«•. 

" If in the preceding era the voice of the 
prophet had been heard in the land this war 
would never have been ; but better is it for the 
nation to drink to the bitter dregs the cup of 
agony, than to hold still to the glory of war 
as an ideal. In the revulsion of feeling from 
the present calamities, the Race we trust will 
be swept forward swiftly along the upward 
road. This will be the moment for all earnest 
workers and reformers, when their influence, 
recked little of now, will carry weight, affect- 
ing hundreds of thousands of souls, where now 
but a few can be reached. Wait, wait for 
these hours of the coming time. A climax ap- 
proacheth. Keep calm. Seek to live deeply 
a true and earnest soul-life. This is the best 
preparation any one can make for the future 
work. 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 91 

" Draw in mighty supplies from heavenly 
sources, to equip you for the coming time. It 
is possible to store up such in the centre of 
one's own being, ready for emergencies. Con- 
sciously do this. Always after giving out 
mental or spiritual energy, fill the reservoir 
afresh from the Infinite supply. A con- 
sciously receptive attitude opens the gateway 
wide. Material power is now dominating the 
world. This must give place to spiritual 
power, and will do so sooner than you at pres- 
ent expect. Hopeful to me looks the aspect 
of the near morrow, though the day is dark. 
Go forward therefore in faith and patience, 
never losing sight of the Heavenly Vision. 
Better to listen to the voice of one who from 
a high standpoint is able to see beyond the 
tumult, than the voices of those beneath, 
struggling in the conflict, or watching the 
scene from the earth plane merely. Surely do 
we perceive the dawn. Surely do we perceive 
the calming and quieting of this world grief 
on both sides of the veil. As a wave of dark- 



92 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

ness will it roll from off the souls immersed 
therein. Through this terrible experience all 
will be raised to a higher level. For this are 
we, the angelic forces, steadily working both 
night and day. For this have we been sum- 
moned forth, organized and marshalled. It is 
verily Christ w r ork, salvation for the human 
race. Mortals are mercifully shielded from 
realizing too vividly the tribulation of the 
world, lest they should be crushed thereby. 
In these realms we are far more able to feel it, 
but are able to bear it because we can see that 
the Race is advancing into a larger life. For 
us also the sources of calm and consolation are 
more available. Everything in each realm is 
thus so perfectly ordered by the Divine Cre- 
ator. 

" I would have you all understand that there 
is nothing fortuitous, either in the career of an 
individual or in the destiny of a nation. Each 
soul fareth forward upon a path which, al- 
though obscured to the soul, is brightly il- 
lumined from our standpoint. Every detail 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 93 

of it is known to the Higher Ones. We are 
allowed to guide more or less according to the 
stage of development of the individual in ques- 
tion. I mean by this that we are able, in many 
cases, to enable him to avoid what would have 
been, from a human standpoint, a catastrophe. 
And yet this intervention on our part could 
also have been foreseen by one on our side 
sufficiently clairvoyant. 

" The subject of fate and freewill is very in- 
tricate. It is as if there were a wheel within a 
wheel, both revolving, each at a different rate 
of motion, yet each in perfect harmony with 
the other. Processes of evolution are abso- 
lutely harmonious and just. Every effect is 
the result of a previous cause extending 
farther back than this present earth life. 
This will the soul of man realize when he 
emerges from his tabernacle of flesh, and 
stands where we stand, not merely on this side 
of death, but in the inner realms of clear 
vision, beyond the anterooms, so to say, of the 
heavenly world. 



94 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

" From here we behold things spread out 
like a map, in the lives both of individuals 
and of nations. He who has the eyes to see 
can read the signs clearly alike of past, pres- 
ent, and future; but there are not many, even 
on this level, who are perfect seers. There- 
fore mistakes sometimes occur in prophecies. 
The higher we ascend, the more loath are we 
to prophesy, realizing the intricacy of human 
problems, and the many threads woven 
therein, each with its different influence, each 
in some way subtly colouring the pattern of 
the soul's future character and destiny. 

" The beauty of the Creator's way is re- 
vealed only when they are viewed from a suf- 
ficiently lofty standpoint. The perfection of 
the mighty design is not realized by those 
working in our lower realms. Even here are 
many who are still as doubtful and confused 
with regard to the meaning of life as when 
they were upon the earth plane. Oftentimes 
centuries pass before a soul is able to progress 
to a clearer grasp of the meaning of creation. 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 95 

No teaching from without can give it. The 
realization must come from within. One does 
not obtain it usually until countless incarna- 
tions have been passed, and a high spiritual 
level of thought and feeling has been attained. 

" It is because the Masters stand upon this 
level that they are so fully able to enter into, 
and sympathize with, the ideals and the strug- 
gles of the human race upon earth. They are 
more fitted in many ways to help and sustain, 
the human soul on its earthly pilgrimage than 
either less evolved ones who have not yet real- 
ized the Creator's conception of the universe, 
or than those of us who are out of touch with 
the immediate conditions upon earth. This is 
being realized by us to an increasing extent. 
We are therefore bending all our energies now 
definitely to helping the human race upward. 
The step of the ladder whereon we now stand, 
is that from which it is easiest to bend down 
to help the climbers below. 

" Our Brotherhood comprises many thou- 
sands of members, grouped in different associ- 



96 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

ations, but all working in perfect harmony, 
each with each, and all with all. We are now 
hoping to accomplish this most important task 
of rending the veils between the earth and the 
more subtle worlds. Power will be given to 
us for the achieving of this. When we have 
accomplished this task, and brought mankind 
to a higher level, we shall proceed further on 
our own evolution. 

" In the meantime many of us are descend- 
ing to earth in order to accomplish our pur- 
pose more fully, since we shall then burst the 
veil by communicating with each other, each 
surrounded by his own group of disciples. 
Power from the earth side, as well as from 
our realms, must be much stronger than it is 
at present. This is the reason why many of 
us are on the point of incarnating again dur- 
ing the coming era of peace and progress in 
the outer world. The result of this will be, 
we trust, a very rapid development of the hu- 
man race in a leap forward from darkness into 
light, since we are all under the leadership 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 97 

of the Lord Christ. His word is in our hearts, 
and this it is that we shall manifest in what- 
ever place or time, here or there. 

" Behold with thankfulness the dawn of a 
new age. Take hands with us that you may 
be able to fulfil your part in helping us in our 
glorious and heavenly work." 

" Remember always that your true home is 
here, and not beneath in the realm of shadows 
— a vale of illusion where things are viewed 
out of perspective, not as we view them from 
the inner light of the Spirit. All that is hap- 
pening now in the outer world is one of those 
passing shadows which for the moment blot 
out the face of Divinity from your sight and 
hearing. This will pass. Then shall the 
veils be rent as never before in the history of 
the world. Immense reactions will follow 
this plunge into materialism wherein the races 
of men are at present engulfed. Mighty are 
the forces of chaos at work, but still mightier 
are those that through them, and beyond them, 



98 THE THINNING OF THE VEIL 

will evolve the new age wherein mankind shall 
begin to discern at last the face of the Father 
as revealed unto it by the Lord Christ. No 
longer can we let mankind dwell in these 
depths of blackness without light from the be- 
yond; this light must penetrate the outer 
world of shadow in spite of all opposition from 
immature and ignorant minds. 

Eemember always that it is the mind of man 
that shadows and obscures the soul vision. 
The soul would always thankfully recognize 
and welcome the light from our spheres, could 
it but release itself from the bondage of the 
material mind which blinds it to unseen reali- 
ties. Harnessed to the senses, the soul runs 
its course on the outer plane. Rarely is the 
yoke cast off. With thankfulness do we assist 
those who are endeavouring to stand upright. 
The majority of men are progressing as do the 
animals, f ourf ooted, running in harness ; look- 
ing down upon the ground ; not yet have they 
arisen to the upright stature of the spirit. 
Yet must this day dawn. We call upon all 



WORDS FROM THE TEACHER 99 

whom we can reach by any means, to arise ; to 
shake off the shackles of the senses and recog- 
nize the power and meaning of the heavenly 
realities, beholding with the eye of faith things 
unseen. 

"We have put our shoulders to the task, 
with not earthly but heavenly power behind us 
and through us. Therefore may the world 
hope and rejoice, for already upon the moun- 
tains doth the rising sun shine. Give thanks." 



THE END 



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